Oregon’s natural wonders are beyond compare. Explore Crater Lake, gaze in awe at Devil’s Churn, and take a stroll across Alvord Desert, and you’ll surely appreciate the diversity of the Beaver State’s beauty. There’s an incredible tree at Cape Mears that’s simply stunning. Check out the Octopus Tree:

You’ll find some of the most spectacular scenery at the Cape Mears State Scenic Viewpoint and National Wildlife Refuge in Tillamook. There’s a lot to see here, but start by taking a short walk through the woods above the parking lot.

Wirunaways/Tripadvisor Address: 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR, 97141

You’ll soon reach the Octopus Tree. It’s a Sitka spruce that’s thought to be 250 to 300 years old, and it looks like an upside-down octopus with its tentacles reaching more than 100 feet into the air.

M01229/flickr In addition to the moniker “Octopus Tree,” it’s been called many names: Candelabra Tree, Monstrosity Tree, and Council Tree. No one is completely sure how the tree grew in such a strange shape, but there are a few theories.

The tree has a 50-foot base, but no one trunk. Many historians believe that the tree was shaped by Tillamook tribes as a ceremonial tree.

Tanya Kauffman/Google While the tree was very young, its branches were forced downward until they grew horizontally about 16 feet, then the branches were allowed to resume their upward growth. The tree may have been a sacred spot for rituals and ceremonies. This explanation is considered the most likely for the tree’s unusual shape.

If this theory is correct, the Octopus Tree would have been a well-known landmark for the people who lived nearby.

drwn/Google As the site for special ceremonies, this tree must have been revered by many.

The other possibility is that the tree grew in this way due to the forces of nature.

Edward L/Tripadvisor Some believe that high winds or other factors influenced the strange growth of the tree. Whether it’s shape was influenced by mad or naturally-formed, the tree is fascinating.

Once you’ve spent some time pondering the origins of the Octopus Tree, head back down toward the parking lot - there’s still a lot left to see here.

Jeremy Erickson/Google The park sits high up on the cliffs above the ocean, with amazing views. There’s an overlook off to the side of the parking lot that provides some gorgeous views.

Take a stroll down the path along the side of the cliff for several more vantage points.

Andrey N/Tripadvisor

The cliffs are the site of thousands of common murres, who build their nests here.

David20130609/Tripadvisor During your visit, you might also see bald eagles and peregrine falcons.

There’s a large rock just off the coast that’s also home to many nesting birds.

Tyme4relaxing/Tripadvisor Cape Mears has one of the largest populations of nesting sea birds on the continent.

Continue your stroll along the path to reach the Cape Mears Lighthouse.

detaildiva/Tripadvisor

The Cape Mears Lighthouse was built in 1889 and is the shortest lighthouse in the state, measuring just 38 feet tall.

M01229/flickr Scan the horizon for whales, which are often spotted from this vantage point. Visitors can go inside the lighthouse from May to September.

Have you visited Cape Mears? Share your memories and photos with our readers in the comments below!

Wirunaways/Tripadvisor

Address: 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR, 97141

M01229/flickr

In addition to the moniker “Octopus Tree,” it’s been called many names: Candelabra Tree, Monstrosity Tree, and Council Tree. No one is completely sure how the tree grew in such a strange shape, but there are a few theories.

Tanya Kauffman/Google

While the tree was very young, its branches were forced downward until they grew horizontally about 16 feet, then the branches were allowed to resume their upward growth. The tree may have been a sacred spot for rituals and ceremonies. This explanation is considered the most likely for the tree’s unusual shape.

drwn/Google

As the site for special ceremonies, this tree must have been revered by many.

Edward L/Tripadvisor

Some believe that high winds or other factors influenced the strange growth of the tree. Whether it’s shape was influenced by mad or naturally-formed, the tree is fascinating.

Jeremy Erickson/Google

The park sits high up on the cliffs above the ocean, with amazing views. There’s an overlook off to the side of the parking lot that provides some gorgeous views.

Andrey N/Tripadvisor

David20130609/Tripadvisor

During your visit, you might also see bald eagles and peregrine falcons.

Tyme4relaxing/Tripadvisor

Cape Mears has one of the largest populations of nesting sea birds on the continent.

detaildiva/Tripadvisor

Scan the horizon for whales, which are often spotted from this vantage point. Visitors can go inside the lighthouse from May to September.

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